20 Goth Fall Nails Guide: Top Designs for a Mysterious Autumn Look

Are you ready to dive into the mysterious world of goth fall nails? As the leaves turn and the air cools, the season beckons a darker, more dramatic nail art aesthetic. But what makes a nail design truly “goth”? Is it the color, the shapes, or perhaps the intricate details? In this exploration, we’ll uncover stunning designs that embody the spirit of fall and the gothic charm. Get ready to transform your nails into a canvas of nocturnal beauty.

Gradient Gothic Elegance

The first design features a stunning gradient of deep black melting into a smoky gray, capturing the essence of a foggy, mysterious autumn evening. The nails are sharply pointed, enhancing the gothic allure. Tiny speckles of silver resemble distant stars in a dark sky, adding a celestial touch to the ominous backdrop.

Photo credit by: @nailsbynataliesama

Essential Products List

• Black Nail Polish: Opt for ‘Obsidian Orb’ by Lunar Tides for a rich, deep black.
• Gray Nail Polish: ‘Misty Morning’ by Gothic Gradient is perfect for a seamless transition.
• Silver Glitter: ‘Stardust Speckle’ by Cosmic Shimmers will give you those perfect twinkles.
• Top Coat: ‘Eternal Shine’ by Lasting Lux for a glossy finish.

DIY Instructions

Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply the black polish at the tips and blend it into the gray as you move towards the cuticle. Before the gray dries, sprinkle the silver glitter sparingly. Finish with a top coat for a dazzling, durable manicure.

Metallic Skull Accents

This daring design merges gothic themes with an edgy modern twist. Each nail hosts a miniature metallic skull, set against a backdrop of dark, iridescent green. The metallic finish on the skulls gives a chilling yet captivating look, perfect for those who love to make a statement.

Photo credit by: @adusk_nails

Essential Products List

• Dark Green Polish: ‘Enchanted Forest’ by Midnight Tales.
• Metallic Skull Decals: Find these at your local craft store or specialty nail art shop.
• Iridescent Top Coat: ‘Phantom Sheen’ by Illusion Lacquers.

DIY Instructions

Paint your nails with two coats of the dark green polish. Once dry, apply the skull decals carefully, using tweezers for precision. Seal everything with the iridescent top coat for a mystical finish that changes in different lights.

Sculpted Darkness

The third design exemplifies gothic architecture through nail art, with high-gloss black polish sculpted into arches and points reminiscent of a gothic cathedral. The use of negative space at the base of each nail adds a modern twist to the traditional gothic aesthetic.

Photo credit by: @akinotsume

Essential Products List

• High-Gloss Black Polish: ‘Vantablack Veil’ by Shadows Collection.
• Detailing Brush: For sculpting precise arches and points.
• Matte Top Coat: ‘Matte Mystique’ by Velvet Finishes.

DIY Instructions

Apply a clear base coat. With the high-gloss black, use a detailing brush to paint pointed arch designs, starting from the tip and working downward. Leave the base of the nail clear or fill it with a matte polish for contrast. Finish with a matte top coat for an intriguing texture contrast.

Ancient Mystique in White and Gold

This nail design captures an ancient elegance, featuring elongated stiletto nails painted in a pristine white base with luxurious gold accents. The designs range from abstract golden shards to delicate archaeological sketches of arrowheads and beetles, evoking a sense of timeless goth allure intertwined with historical charm.

Photo credit by: @brujeriastudiomx

Essential Products List

• White Nail Polish: ‘Alabaster Touch’ by Eternal Whites.
• Gold Nail Art Paint: ‘Golden Era’ by Luxe Liners for intricate detailing.
• Fine Detail Brush: For precise gold sketches.
• Glossy Top Coat: ‘Crystal Clear’ by Gloss Boss for a radiant finish.

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of ‘Alabaster Touch’ as the base. Once dry, use ‘Golden Era’ with a fine detail brush to draw your designs. Experiment with abstract shapes or inspired historical motifs. Finish with a glossy top coat to enhance the metallic sheen.

Gothic Celestial Bodies

Embracing the celestial theme, this design features dark purple and black hues with intricate silver and gold patterns that mimic the night sky. Each nail is a canvas depicting different astronomical symbols, including moons, stars, and planets, perfectly marrying the mystique of the cosmos with gothic aesthetics.

Photo credit by: @brujeriastudiomx

Essential Products List

• Dark Purple Polish: ‘Midnight Plum’ by Nightshade Nails.
• Black Polish: ‘Abyss’ by Deep Dark Lacquers.
• Metallic Nail Art Pens: Silver and gold for detailed celestial designs.
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ‘Starry Night’ by Celestial Shine.

DIY Instructions

Start with ‘Midnight Plum’ as your base. On alternating nails, apply ‘Abyss’ in designs such as crescents and orbs. Use metallic pens to add detailed symbols and accents. Seal with ‘Starry Night’ top coat for a glossy, star-like effect.

Smoke and Shadows

This avant-garde approach features a smoky gradient transitioning from deep charcoal to lighter gray, adorned with symbols like the pentagram and mysterious runes. The matte finish gives an ethereal yet earthly texture, ideal for those who prefer a subtle yet powerful expression of goth style.

Photo credit by: @prestigenailsss

Essential Products List

• Charcoal Polish: ‘Smokey Veil’ by Shadow Tones.
• Gray Polish: ‘Misty Veil’ by Grayscale Glam.
• Matte Top Coat: ‘Matte Magic’ by Matte Masters for a soft, velvety finish.

DIY Instructions

Apply ‘Smokey Veil’ at the nail tips, blending into ‘Misty Veil’ towards the cuticle for a seamless gradient. Before the polish sets, gently press in stencil designs of your chosen gothic symbols. Finish with ‘Matte Magic’ top coat to emphasize the muted tones.

Shadow Play and Stars

This design elegantly blends soft pink backgrounds with bold, black gothic patterns and starry embellishments, creating a dramatic yet feminine aesthetic. The addition of 3D stars and intricate lace-like detailing infuses a touch of whimsical goth elegance, making it a standout choice for those who admire both beauty and darkness.

Photo credit by: @annailco

Essential Products List

• Soft Pink Polish: ‘Blush Whisper’ by Gentle Pinks.
• Black Detailing Gel: ‘Midnight Lace’ by Dark Elegance for crisp patterns.
• Star Embellishments: Available in craft or specialty nail art stores.
• Glossy Top Coat: ‘Glass Shield’ by Top Coats Supreme.

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of ‘Blush Whisper’ for a soft, opaque base. Using ‘Midnight Lace’, meticulously paint the black gothic patterns. Add star embellishments while the detailing gel is still tacky to ensure they adhere well. Finish with ‘Glass Shield’ top coat for a durable, glossy look.

Chromatic Overload

Channeling the vibrant energy of gothic subcultures, this nail design features bright pink bases loaded with heavy metal-inspired chains and piercings. It’s a bold statement of rebellion and individuality, perfectly suited for the audacious spirit looking to break the mold.

Photo credit by: @hollywiththegoodnails

Essential Products List

• Bright Pink Polish: ‘Electric Fuchsia’ by Vibrant Visions.
• Miniature Chains and Rings: Typically found at jewelry supply stores or online.
• Industrial Glue: For securing metal pieces without damaging the nail.
• Protective Top Coat: ‘Armor Seal’ by Durability Plus.

DIY Instructions

Paint your nails with ‘Electric Fuchsia’ as the base. Arrange the chains and rings to your liking on the nails, using a drop of industrial glue to secure each piece. Ensure the metal does not touch the skin to avoid irritation. Seal everything with ‘Armor Seal’ top coat for a smooth finish and to prevent snagging.

Mystical Eyes

This mystical design features deep purple stiletto nails with golden accents depicting eyes, crescents, and cosmic swirls. The nails are embellished with tiny beads and stars, creating a galaxy-like effect that’s both enchanting and eerie. It’s a celebration of the mysterious and the magical within the gothic aesthetic.

Photo credit by: @brujeriastudiomx

Essential Products List

• Deep Purple Polish: ‘Cosmic Plum’ by Starry Night Colors.
• Gold Detailing Paint: ‘Royal Accents’ by Majestic Metals.
• Microbeads and Tiny Stars: Look for these in a nail art or craft store.
• Glossy Top Coat: ‘Everglow’ by Shine Masters.

DIY Instructions

Start with a base of ‘Cosmic Plum’. Using ‘Royal Accents’, paint delicate eyes and cosmic patterns. Before the paint dries, carefully place microbeads and stars to enhance the mystical theme. Finish with ‘Everglow’ top coat to protect your artwork and add a spectacular shine.

Liquid Lava Fusion

This striking nail design conjures visions of a gothic fantasy with its glossy black base that flows into vibrant magenta tips, reminiscent of molten lava. The smooth, shiny finish gives the illusion of a liquid transition, making it a bold statement piece for any goth-inspired fall ensemble.

Photo credit by: @beserk

Essential Products List

• Glossy Black Polish: ‘Midnight Pool’ by Dark Depths.
• Magenta Polish: ‘Magma Burst’ by Fiery Shades.
• High-Shine Top Coat: ‘Mirror Finish’ by Reflective Layers.

DIY Instructions

Start with a solid coat of ‘Midnight Pool’. While still wet, blend in ‘Magma Burst’ at the tips using a sponge for a seamless gradient effect. Apply ‘Mirror Finish’ top coat for an ultra-glossy look that enhances the depth and transition of colors.

Ember Edges

This design embodies the fiery side of goth with sharp stiletto nails that transition from opaque black to a translucent red resembling burning embers. The effect is both edgy and alluring, ideal for those who embrace the darker, more intense aspects of the gothic style.

Photo credit by: @ukiyo_nails

Essential Products List

• Opaque Black Polish: ‘Void’ by Abyss Lacquers.
• Translucent Red Gel: ‘Ember Glow’ by Translucent Tints.
• Gel Top Coat: ‘Lasting Lustre’ by Gel Coats.

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of ‘Void’ starting from the nail base up to the mid-nail. Gradually fade into ‘Ember Glow’ towards the tips using a dry brush technique. Cure under a UV lamp if using gel, and finish with ‘Lasting Lustre’ for a durable, shiny finish.

Sinuous Shadows

This goth fall nail design features an innovative approach with a monochromatic black scheme that plays with gloss and matte textures to create depth and intrigue. The swirling, sinuous patterns add a mysterious, almost hypnotic effect to the overall look.

Photo credit by: @heimi.nailkween

Essential Products List

• Matte Black Polish: ‘Eclipse’ by Matte Marvels.
• Glossy Black Gel: ‘Shiny Onyx’ by Lustrous Lacquers.
• Detailing Brush: For precise pattern work.

DIY Instructions

Cover your nails with ‘Eclipse’ as a matte base. Once dry, use ‘Shiny Onyx’ with a detailing brush to draw intricate, curving designs that catch the light. This technique highlights the artistry of the design without the use of color, focusing purely on texture and form.

Ethereal Mirror Effects

These nails captivate with a unique blend of metallic pink and deep, marbled purples, framed by a bold black border that adds a sharp, modern edge. The mirror-like finish reflects light beautifully, giving these nails a luminous, almost otherworldly look.

Photo credit by: @spellbound.nailartistry

Essential Products List

• Metallic Pink Polish: ‘Pink Prism’ by Reflective Beauty.
• Deep Purple Marble Ink: ‘Purple Haze’ by Artistic Inks.
• Black Nail Art Pen: ‘Dark Definition’ by Fine Lines.
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ‘Luminous Layer’ by ShineOn.

DIY Instructions

Start by applying ‘Pink Prism’ as the base. Drop small amounts of ‘Purple Haze’ onto the nail and swirl gently with a fine brush. Outline the designs with ‘Dark Definition’ to enhance the shapes, then seal with ‘Luminous Layer’ for a glossy, reflective finish.

Gothic Jewels

This dramatic design features rich, wine-red nails adorned with golden accents and jewel-like embellishments, creating a regal yet gothic look. The deep red base provides a perfect backdrop for the intricate golden designs and striking red crystals, making each nail resemble a piece of vintage jewelry.

Photo credit by: @brujeriastudiomx

Essential Products List

• Wine Red Polish: ‘Royal Rouge’ by Velvet Vintages.
• Gold Paint for Detailing: ‘Gilded Touch’ by Metallica.
• Red Crystal Embellishments: Available at nail art supply stores.
• Protective Top Coat: ‘Everlast’ by Durability Experts.

DIY Instructions

Paint your nails with ‘Royal Rouge’. Use ‘Gilded Touch’ to add detailed designs, then apply red crystals while the paint is still tacky. Once positioned, apply a coat of ‘Everlast’ to secure the embellishments and enhance the overall durability and shine.

Red Lacquer Drips

Echoing the theme of dripping blood, these nails combine a glossy black base with vivid red dripping effects, perfect for a bold, gothic statement. The look is both striking and slightly unsettling, ideal for those who embrace the darker side of beauty.

Photo credit by: @thenailscoven

Essential Products List

• Glossy Black Polish: ‘Abyssal Black’ by Depths of Dark.
• Red Drip Effect Polish: ‘Crimson Flow’ by Liquid Art.
• Fine Tip Brush: For precise drip effects.
• Glossy Top Coat: ‘Gloss Over’ by Top Shine.

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of ‘Abyssal Black’. Using ‘Crimson Flow’ and a fine tip brush, create the drip effect starting from the cuticle downwards. The key is to allow the red to flow slightly before setting. Finish with ‘Gloss Over’ to enhance the depth and brightness of the colors.

Celestial Ornaments

This intricate design showcases a dazzling array of gemstones embedded in a dark, glittery base, creating a constellation-like effect. The nails are adorned with gold, rose gold, and copper accents, each stone meticulously placed to maximize sparkle and depth, perfect for a luxurious gothic evening.

Photo credit by: @satori_aesthetic

Essential Products List

• Dark Glitter Polish: ‘Starry Void’ by Cosmic Dust.
• Assorted Gemstones: Various sizes in gold, rose gold, and copper.
• Gold Flakes: ‘Golden Flicker’ by Shimmer Addicts.
• Gel Top Coat: ‘Seal of Shine’ by Gloss Guard.

DIY Instructions

Paint nails with two coats of ‘Starry Void’. While wet, gently press gemstones into the polish, arranging them to resemble a starry night sky. Sprinkle gold flakes around the gemstones for added brilliance. Seal with ‘Seal of Shine’ gel top coat to ensure the stones stay in place and enhance their luminosity.

Gothic Flamenco

This dramatic set combines deep red and black polishes with bold, striking patterns and stiletto shapes to invoke the passionate energy of flamenco dance. The use of sharp lines and vibrant colors makes this design both alluring and fiercely gothic.

Photo credit by: @cloruro_di_vinile

Essential Products List

• Deep Red Polish: ‘Flamenco Fury’ by Passion Lacquer.
• Glossy Black Polish: ‘Midnight Caller’ by Night Shades.
• Fine Detail Brush: For intricate pattern work.
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ‘Ultra Shine’ by Lasting Luster.

DIY Instructions

Start with a base of ‘Flamenco Fury’. Use ‘Midnight Caller’ and a fine detail brush to add geometric and swirling designs, drawing inspiration from traditional flamenco costumes. Finish with ‘Ultra Shine’ top coat for a glass-like finish that really pops.

Electric Lightning

This futuristic design features a sleek black base with electric purple lightning bolts, creating a dynamic and powerful visual effect. The high-contrast color scheme and the angular bolt design give it a modern, edgy look perfect for the goth enthusiast who loves to stand out.

Photo credit by: @nailzmina

Essential Products List

• Sleek Black Polish: ‘Obsidian Edge’ by Edge Enamel.
• Electric Purple Polish: ‘Plasma Spark’ by Electric Shades.
• Thin Striping Tape: For precision in design.
• Matte Top Coat: ‘Velvet Touch’ by Matte Over.

DIY Instructions

Apply two coats of ‘Obsidian Edge’ for a smooth, rich base. Use striping tape to outline lightning bolts, then fill in with ‘Plasma Spark’. Carefully remove the tape while the purple polish is still wet to ensure crisp lines. Finish with ‘Velvet Touch’ matte top coat for a modern, textured effect.

Whimsical Night Garden

These nails are a fantastical journey into a night garden, with branches and leaves in dark silhouettes against a backdrop of soft, pastel pinks and sprinkles of glowing dots reminiscent of fireflies. The captivating eyes within some of the leaves add a mysterious, almost magical element to the design.

Photo credit by: @brujeriastudiomx

Essential Products List

• Soft Pink Polish: ‘Petal Soft’ by Delicate Tones.
• Black Art Paint: ‘Nocturne’ by Night Shades for the silhouettes.
• Dotting Tool: For the firefly-like accents.
• Glossy Top Coat: ‘Crystal Clear’ by Shine Experts.

DIY Instructions

Apply a base coat of ‘Petal Soft’. Use ‘Nocturne’ with a fine brush to create the silhouetted branches and leaves. Add tiny white dots with the dotting tool to mimic fireflies. Seal the design with ‘Crystal Clear’ for a glossy finish and to ensure durability.

Regal Gothic Elegance

This sophisticated nail set features a luxurious blend of gold, black, and transparent polishes, adorned with rich embellishments like red gems and golden chains. The design evokes a sense of royal gothic charm, perfect for those looking to combine elegance with a touch of drama.

Photo credit by: @clawsbynina

Essential Products List

• Gold Metallic Polish: ‘Royal Gild’ by Liquid Gold.
• Glossy Black Polish: ‘Abyssal Black’ by Deep Elegance.
• Red Gems and Gold Chains: Available at craft stores or specialized nail supply shops.
• Strong Hold Nail Adhesive: To secure embellishments.
• High-Gloss Top Coat: ‘Lasting Shine’ by Endure.

DIY Instructions

Start with alternating nails painted in ‘Royal Gild’ and ‘Abyssal Black’. Apply transparent polish on the nails intended for gem placement. Attach the gems and chains using nail adhesive, arranging them in a pleasing pattern. Finish with ‘Lasting Shine’ to enhance the metallic sheen and protect your design.

These goth-inspired nail designs reflect the whimsical and regal aspects of the aesthetic, offering ideas from the subtly fantastical to the boldly luxurious. Each set provides a unique way to express creativity and personal style through intricate artistry and high-quality materials.